crank

noun

\ ˈkraŋk

Definition of crank

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa

2a archaic : bend

b : a twist or turn of speech : conceit —used especially in the phrase quips and cranks

c(1) : caprice, crotchet

(2) : an annoyingly eccentric person also : one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity

d : a bad-tempered person : grouch

3 : crystal meth specifically : an impure form of crystal meth

crank

verb

cranked; cranking; cranks

Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to move with a winding course : zigzag

2a : to turn a crank

b : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank

c : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity —usually used with up the campaign is cranking up

transitive verb

1 : to move or operate by or as if by a crank crank the window down

2a : to cause to start crank an automobile

b : to rotate the shaft (such as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter crank over an engine

c : to use in trying to start an engine crank the starter

3a : to start as if by use of a crank —usually used with up she cranked up the air conditioner

b : turn up sense 2 —usually used with up crank up the volume

crank

adjective (1)

Definition of crank (Entry 3 of 5)

: of, relating to, or being a bad-tempered or annoyingly eccentric person also : made or sent by such a person or by someone intending to be an annoyance or to cause harm crank calls a crank letter

crank

Definition of crank

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